How to Renew an SIA Licence

This could potentially lead to unnecessary delays and complications in your ability to perform your role. So ensure that you are aware of your licence expiry date and submit your renewal application in a timely manner. Remember, you can renew your licence as early as 4 months before its expiration. Early renewal does not mean loss of time on your new licence – any remaining time on your current licence will be added to the new one.

Why the need to renew

The SIA Licence renewal period is set at three years for a reason. This time frame allows for any changes in an operative’s situation or criteria to be addressed effectively. Additionally, if there are new additions or adjustments to training requirements, this three-yearly cycle gives enough time for these to be properly implemented.

This systematic review ensures that all licensed operatives are up-to-date with latest practices, legal requirements, and professional standards in the security industry. Therefore, the three-year period isn’t arbitrary but a well-considered interval to ensure operative readiness and adaptability for security roles.

Employer Assisted Renewal

Some organisations have a policy in place to handle the licence renewal process on behalf of their employees. They may cover the cost and take responsibility for submitting the licence renewal for you. If this is the case, your SIA online account can be linked with your employer’s account. This simplifies the process and ensures your licence remains valid without any interruptions.

In order to link your accounts, you’ll receive a link in an email. It’s a straightforward and efficient way to manage your SIA licence renewals, all the while allowing you to focus on your security role. Always discuss this option with your employer to verify if such a provision is available for you.

Application Fee for Licence Renewal

The application fee for a licence renewal is the same as that for a new licence, which is £184. However, there is a provision for a significant discount under certain circumstances. If you already hold another licence for a different licensable activity and you paid the full application fee for that licence (i.e., it was not discounted), then you are eligible for a 50% discount on your renewal application fee.

This means, you would only have to pay £92 for your licence renewal. This measure is in place to facilitate those who diversify their skills within the security industry and hold multiple licences for different activities. Always check your eligibility for this discount when applying for a licence renewal.

Training Requirements for Licence Renewal

While renewing your SIA Licence, it’s important to note that you typically do not need to undergo the initial training again. This requirement is based on the presumption that the operative has already undergone the necessary training and gained the foundational knowledge required for the licence during their first application.

However, there can be exceptions in case there are new or updated training requirements introduced by the SIA. The security industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. As such, to ensure that licensed operatives stay updated with the latest practices and legal requirements, additional training may sometimes be needed.

Before you apply for a licence renewal, it is advisable to check the SIA website or get in touch with them to clarify if there are any new training requirements that have been introduced since your last renewal. Stay current, stay informed, and stay licensed.

Door supervisors and security guards Licences

If you pursued your training before the 1st of April 2021, there is an additional requirement to renew your SIA licence. You must have a valid First Aid qualification – specifically, the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or an equivalent certificate. This step is crucial to ensure that all operatives are equipped with the basic first aid skills, which are essential in emergency situations.

Please ensure that you have this qualification before applying for a licence renewal. If you do not currently hold this qualification, you should arrange to complete a relevant course at the earliest. This is a mandatory requirement and there are no exceptions. Stay compliant, stay certified, and stay licensed.

Close Protection Operatives

If you completed your training prior to the 1st of April 2022 and seek to renew your SIA licence, there is an additional requirement that you must meet. You are required to hold a valid Level 3 First Aid qualification (FAW or equivalent). This requirement ensures that all operatives in close protection roles are equipped with the necessary first aid skills, which are vital in handling emergency situations in this high-risk field.

Before applying for a licence renewal, please ensure you have this qualification. If you do not currently possess this qualification, you should make arrangements to complete a relevant course as soon as possible. This is a mandatory requirement and there are no exceptions. Stay compliant, stay certified, and stay licensed.

Identity Verification and Criminal Record Checks for Licence Renewal

Just as with a new application, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) carries out the same comprehensive checks when processing a licence renewal. This includes validating your identity and running Criminal Record checks and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

To verify your identity, you’ll need to provide several forms of identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license. Subsequently, the SIA will conduct criminal record checks to ensure that you meet the necessary standards of integrity and conduct to continue holding a licence. In line with this, your DBS records will also be scrutinized to identify any past actions that could pose a risk in a security-related role.

Remember, these checks are crucial part of ensuring the safety and professionalism of the security industry. Make sure to have all your relevant documents ready and up-to-date when applying for a licence renewal. Stay prepared, stay compliant, and stay licensed.

Renewing Your Licence at the Post Office

You have the option to complete your licence renewal at your local Post Office. This is a convenient method if you prefer to handle the process in person rather than online. To find the nearest Post Office branch that offers this service, you can use the SIA Post Office branch finder.

Simply enter your postcode or town, and it will provide a list of the closest branches to your location that you can visit for your SIA licence renewal. Remember, whether you choose to renew online or in-person, the same standards and requirements apply. Whichever method you choose, stay prepared, stay compliant, and stay licensed.

Switching Licences During Renewal

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) provides the flexibility to switch licences during the renewal process. This is particularly helpful for those wanting to transition between different roles within the security industry. For instance, if you currently hold a Door Supervisor licence, you have the option to switch to a Security Guard licence at the time of renewal. Similarly, those with a Close Protection licence can switch to a Door Supervisor licence.

This feature accommodates the dynamic nature of the industry and allows individuals to diversify their skills and roles as needed. As with any licence application or renewal, proper compliance with all relevant requirements is essential. Whether you’re switching roles or sticking with your current licence, always remember to stay prepared, stay compliant, and stay licensed.

Switching from Door Supervisor to Security Guard Licence

If you currently hold a door supervisor licence, you have the option to switch to a security guard licence when renewing. However, it’s essential to note that despite this transition, you still need to meet the same core requirements as before. Specifically, you must possess a valid First Aid at Work (FAW) or an equivalent certification.

This requirement is in place to ensure that all operatives, regardless of their specific role, are equipped with the basic first aid skills necessary for handling emergency situations. Before applying for a licence renewal and making this switch, please ensure you have this qualification.

If you do not currently possess this qualification, you should plan to complete a relevant course as soon as possible. This is a mandatory requirement without exceptions. Stay compliant, stay certified, and stay licensed.

The Incentive to Switch to a Security Guard Licence

Should you opt to switch from a door supervisor to a security guard licence, there are certain advantages to consider. Primarily, the training duration for a security guard license is typically shorter, which could also make it a more cost-effective choice. However, it’s essential to understand the trade-offs involved.

Notably, with a security guard licence, you will not be authorized to work on the doors at any guarded licenced premises. This could limit some of the opportunities available to you compared to holding a door supervisor licence.

Making this switch will ultimately depend on your career goals in the security industry. Weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision that best aligns with your professional aspirations. Remember, irrespective of the licence type, stay trained, stay compliant, and stay licensed.

Switching from Close Protection to Door Supervisor Licence

If you currently hold a close protection licence, you do possess the option to switch to a door supervisor licence during your renewal. However, it is crucial to remember that regardless of this transition, you are still expected to meet the same key requirements.

Specifically, you must hold a valid First Aid at Work (FAW) or an equivalent certificate. This requirement ensures that all operatives, no matter their specific role, are furnished with the basic first aid skills vital for managing emergency situations.

However, it’s worth asking the question – if you already have a close protection licence allowing you to work on the doors, why would you consider switching? Assess your work options, career aspirations, and the specific roles you undertake in the security industry before making this decision. Regardless of the licence you hold, the objective remains the same – stay trained, stay compliant, and stay licensed.